"It befuddles my imagination to figure out why Apple refuses to do things that would further please customers," wrote Purdy, a veteran mobile analyst who says he "struggles to understand why [Apple] takes such an exclusionist attitude about relationships with the outside world."

Adobe Flash is used by as many as 80 percent of all Web sites including Hulu's Web TV service, Purdy noted. Apple is pursuing a path toward video and animation support using HTML5 that consumes less CPU cycles and thus power, but the strategy leaves iPhone users and developers in the cold today, he said.

Apple is one of the few companies that does not support microSD slots on its handsets so user can add flash memory. "This is one of the things that I don't think will happen soon, but is something that customers would applaud if Apple decided to do it," Purdy wrote.

The analyst also called on Apple to take the lead in supporting near-filed communications so smartphones can be used to make retail payments, something already pioneered in Japan. In addition, he echoed many who have said Apple should support multitasking in the next version of its mobile OS.

Finally, Purdy said Apple should open up its App Store and end exclusive relationships with wireless operators.

"There are many--likely in the order of 10-20 million or more--customers that Apple is missing who are locked in, are otherwise committed to using another operator such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint," Purdy wrote.

OK, how about some data. I bought the original iPhone with the assumption that it would eventually support Flash. I did not buy either of the subsequent upgrades nor will I buy an iPad because of Mr. Jobs vendetta against Adobe. I have no special love for Flash but as a standard it can not (presently) be ignored. The lack of microSD in understandable in the Apple world...one just has to look at the cost of flash cards compared to the upcharges for the same amount in the device to get that equation. I don't blame them for that...they are just milking their competitive advantages.

I agree with RalphS. I too bought an iPhone with the expectation that Flash would eventually be supported. We're talking about some 80% of all video on the web. As much as I want an iPad, I will not buy a web browsing device that I intend to mostly use for watching iTV without Flash. I'm sorry, is it just me or is this crazy? The other wish list features have viable "Apple" reasons for not being implemented. In addition to real dollars that come back to Apple for fixed memory capacities, a certain amount of robustness and user experience can be guaranteed.

Dear Jade: Good point about controlling the memory footprint as a way of ensuring system stability. I suspect this is why the iPhone is not multitasking-enabled--why risk thread contention if you have good-enough performance.

One more comment. Apple needs to remember why they chose to support MP3 with the original iPod, and what happened to Sony whom chose to not. I believe people are fine with closed proprietary solutions as long as they do the things they need it to do. An iPad is primarily a casual multimedia web client. Why would Apple risk hard earned market share for this new category they're creating over something as silly as Flash? It just frustrates me to see the iPad as so close to perfect, and yet so far.

@RalphS: While definitely in standard use, I don't believe Flash is technically a "Standard" as far as a "requirement" relegated by a Third Party such as HTML-4 or an IEEE Standard such as IEEE 802.X. (Happy 30th Birthday, IEEE 802.)
In my opinion, your argument in support of the lack of SD support actually backfeeds into the lack of Flash support. Flash is both a RAM and CPU-cycle hog. As such, it can cause system instability which can cause a system to slow down, destabilize, and (worst-case scenario) lock up completely. The iPhone is a small unit with finite RAM (max 32MB)and a 600MHz CPU. Adding Flash compatibility has potential to cause major system instability with the iPod Touch/iPhone. With increased CPU cycles comes increased temps, and the iPhone does not have active internal cooling devices. Temperature regulation may be a technical factor as well. (Outside of Jobs standoff against Adobe.) The lack of an active cooling system carries over to the iPad as well.
In addition, the onus to create a stable mobile Flash version is on Adobe. Currently they have issues trying to get a stable Mobile Flash version to market on some platforms. It is pretty unstable in the Android version. (I can't speak to the Blackberry or Windows Phone versions.)
Personally, I hate Flash. It is an eye-sore on webpages and slows down surfing due to load times. As a video format, even on superb setups, the quality is choppy at best. Therefore, I don't use my computer to view videos on a regular basis. A true Standard should be adopted aside from Flash. As a disclaimer, I do not own an iPhone, nor do I plan to buy one anytime soon. My HTC Hero runs just great.
Just my two cents.

You won't get a debate from me on this point. I fully think HTML5 is the right approach and am looking forward to a day where it is ubiquitous. The iPad however isn't launching withing that world. Perhaps this is just the vehicle to drive us towards HTML5, and if so, I'll applaud Apple in 1-2 years if this is the case. Until then, I'll be sitting on the sidelines waiting for the future to arrive.

Jade and Rick: I agree with you both. Much to Adobe's chagrin, Apple carries much more weight. If they refuse to adopt Flash and push for an HTML5 adoption, the coding world will follow and leave Flash behind. Some sites are already starting to adopt the HTML5 video format.

Many are so excited to experience the amazing service that is about to give by Hulu. Probably, a lot of us can't wait to access the Hulu Plus on numerous more of your devices you use from your iPad to your Blu-ray player. Anyone who is knowledgeable about Hulu right now already knows they deliver a good selection of TV shows online with good quality. Being able to access select TV shows on your phone is worth the $10 a month subscription, and that is nowhere near high enough to require you taking out a payday loan to purchases this. Netflix is already accessible on all smart devices and numerous feel that Hulu won't be able to compete. But in my opinion, the two are very different.